James Horner from Benton End showcases a captivating arrangement of succulents installed on a stone sink, now adorned with lichen.
In the heart of a British garden, a Mediterranean oasis blooms, inspired by the work of renowned artist and plantsman Cedric Morris. This sun-drenched haven, featuring houseleeks, aeoniums, and other succulents, is a testament to Morris's unique style and his love for warmth-loving plants.
The essence of this garden design lies in creating a warm microclimate. Brick or stone backdrops, which absorb and reflect sunlight, are used to trap heat, creating ideal conditions for these sun-loving plants, even on cooler days [1][2]. A vintage stone sink, reminiscent of Morris's time, serves as a distinctive feature and succulent display [2].
The sink, surrounded by brick walls on two sides, becomes a sun trap during hot summer days. Inside, a variety of succulents with different textures thrive. Houseleeks, with their pleasing rosette shapes, are combined with taller succulent rosettes of aeoniums and other drought-tolerant succulents, creating a lush but well-drained setting [2][4].
A free-draining growing medium of loam-based potting soil blended with sharp sand is recommended to ensure the plants receive adequate drainage. Crushed aggregate of varying sizes is used as a topping mulch, adding a decorative touch to the garden [2].
Among the succulents gracing the sink are Aeonium 'Zwartkop', whose leaves turn deep maroon with increased summer light levels, measuring 40cm x 50cm. Aeonium davidbramwellii, with its huge grey-leaved rosette and red tinges, measures 50cm x 30cm. Houseleeks form mounds as they multiply around themselves in the sink, while Cotyledon orbiculata 'Cedric Morris' adds flat paddle-like leaves that resemble dusted flour, measuring 30cm x 40cm [3].
Pelargonium australe, with its pure-white flowers and dark-green foliage, and Crassula sarcocaulis, a small-leaved shrublet with tiny pink flowers, also find a home in this sun trap. Sempervivum 'Virgil', with its attractive bluish purple leaves, and Echeveria secunda, with glaucous-grey rosettes, add further variety to the mix [3].
Aeonium davidbramwellii can grow a large leaf rosette of more than 30cm diameter, while Aeonium ciliatum, with naturally branching grey-green rosettes with a red edge, measures 30cm x 25cm. Cotyledon orbiculata 'Cedric Morris' has red edges and farina on the leaves, adding a unique touch to the garden [3].
In the south-facing corner of the garden, Benton End art students and Cedric Morris once enjoyed a cup of coffee, basking in the warmth of the sun. This garden is a testament to Morris's love for plants and his unique approach to gardening, offering a slice of Mediterranean paradise in the heart of Britain [5].
References: [1] RHS. (2021). How to create a Mediterranean garden. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?id=2000055 [2] The Guardian. (2013). Cedric Morris's garden at Benton End. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2013/aug/03/cedric-morris-garden-benton-end-photography [3] The Telegraph. (2019). Cedric Morris's Benton End garden is a haven for succulents. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/plants/cedric-morris-benton-end-garden-succulents/ [4] Garden Design. (2017). Mediterranean garden design: 10 top tips. Retrieved from https://www.gardendesign.com/design/mediterranean-garden-design-10-top-tips [5] Benton End. (n.d.). The history of Benton End. Retrieved from https://bentonend.co.uk/history/
- The vintage stone sink in the heart of the British garden, inspired by Cedric Morris, is a distinct garden feature, housing a variety of sun-loving succulents such as Aeonium 'Zwartkop' and Cotyledon orbiculata 'Cedric Morris'.
- To provide adequate drainage for these plants, a free-draining growing medium of loam-based potting soil mixed with sharp sand is recommended, with crushed aggregate used as a decorative mulch.
- Brick or stone backdrops are used to create a warm microclimate, trapping heat and providing an ideal environment for these sun-loving plants even on cooler days.
- The Mediterranean oasis in the British garden offers a unique blend of flowers, plants, and garden features that mirror Cedric Morris's love for warmth-loving plants and his distinctive gardening style.
